Extract from Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe

MonticelloJune 19. 13.

it is more a subject of joy that we have so few of the desperate characters which
compose modern regular armies.
but
it isproves more forcibly the necessity of obliging every citizen to be a souldier. this was
the case with the Greeks & Romans and must be that of every free state. where there
is no oppression there
will be no pauper hirelings. we must train & classify the whole of our male citizens,
and
make military instruction a regular part of collegiate education. we can never
be safe
till this is
done.